Job Details

Job Details

Job Location
Omaha Zoo - Omaha, NE

Position Type
Full Time

Keeper - Meadowlark Theater

Job Title: Keeper - Meadowlark Theater

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Hours: Full-time

Summary:

The Meadowlark Theater at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium (OHDZA) is an outdoor venue that hosts various live demonstrations and educational shows, including the free-flight bird presentation.

Surrounded by the zoo's lush landscape, the theater provides a unique setting for family-friendly entertainment, often featuring wildlife presentations that educate visitors about conservation and animal behavior. The theater is part of the zoo's broader mission to inspire and educate zoo guests about the importance of wildlife and habitat conservation.

The Meadowlark Theater Keeper provides daily husbandry and behavioral management for all animals in the area, with a strong emphasis on species that participate in interactive animal programming for zoo guests, and daily exhibit and building maintenance in Meadowlark Theater. Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to, daily husbandry and care associated with feeding and cleaning animal enclosures. The Keeper is expected to be proficient in operant conditioning and capable of the presentation of a variety of animal species to zoo guests as needed for daily animal encounters, demonstrations, and stage shows. This position has a high level of guest and animal interaction.

Duties and Responsibilities/Essential Functions (including but not limited to):

• Execute all aspects of the daily care of assigned animals including cleaning, feeding, exhibit maintenance, general upkeep of support facilities.
• Observe behavior of animals on both a day-to-day and long-term basis; note any unusual behavior, signs of illness or injury, change in appetite, start of breeding cycle, or lack of compatibility with group members and reports same to the Supervisor.
• Answer questions or give information regarding animals, zoo operations, and zoo exhibits to zoo guests; maintain crowd control when animals are loose or being moved; observe zoo guests to prevent malicious acts which could result in harm to zoo guests, or zoo animals or loss of zoo property.
• Assist in the crating and uncrating of animals; catches and restrains as necessary; may assist in transfer between locations.
• Maintain clean and organized exhibits, holding areas, service areas and equipment.
• Prepare, store, and distribute food according to established feeding practices and diet sheets amounts; monitor feeding habits and report any changes or abnormalities; monitor food levels to assure sufficient quantities.
• Administer prescribed medications, supplements, or treatments under the guidance of the veterinary and supervisory staff.
• Maintain daily reports, logs, training and enrichment records, research, or veterinary records, as appropriate and according to established guidelines; requires basic skills with Microsoft Office software.
• Understand and apply a practical understanding of operant conditioning as it relates to the daily management of species under keeper's care.
• Understands and apply the basic principles of animal enrichment as part of the daily management of species under keeper's care.
• As appropriate, maintains live exhibit plantings to enhance exhibit aesthetics; eliminates weeds and toxic plants from animal enclosures.
• In conjunction with the Zoo's Integrated Pest Management Specialist, may assist in pest management through the use of exclusion or traps.
• Identify potential maintenance or safety issues and reports them to the Supervisor.
• Participate in presentations of animals to zoo guests in formal and informal settings. This includes animal encounters and stage shows.
• Provide work direction and assist in training interns and volunteers as assigned.
• Maintain a safe environment for all employees, animals, and guests. This includes utilizing personal protective equipment when needed and safe equipment operation. Also follow OSHA standards regarding workplace safety.
• Exhibit good teamwork and communication skills both verbal and written within the home team and when working with other teams or departments.
• Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
• Interact professionally with other employees, zoo guests, and external contractors.
• Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
• Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of animal husbandry, operant conditioning, enrichment, welfare, and animal handling techniques for birds and reptiles, with a strong emphasis on species that participate in interactive animal programming for zoo guests.
• Knowledge of a safe working environment for animals, employees, and guests.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to speak publicly to large and small groups.
• Creative, positive, and self-motivated.
• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid state driver's license.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• Will sometimes work extended/odd hours including weekends, holidays, and some night programs.
• Must be able to walk long distances across the zoo.
• Must be able to stand, sit, kneel, bend, twist, reach above head, and climb.
• Will lift, push, pull, and/or move up to 50 pounds using safe and proper lifting methods.

Travel Required

• Some travel may occur.

Education and Experience

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Bachelor's degree in biology, Animal Science, Behavior or related field preferred.
• Experience in an AZA accredited institution or related organization preferred.
• Exotic/zoo animal husbandry experience preferred.
• Operant conditioning and enrichment experience preferred.

Work authorization

• Position does not support employment visa or H1B sponsorship.

DISCLAIMER

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.